Ten questions about Lebanon.

1. What activities do you do to pass time in Lebanon?

We have much of our family still in Lebanon. We usually spend between two weeks and up to a month in Lebanon when we visit. At least a week of that is time devoted to family. We’ll all gather together, eat and catch up on life as we don’t get to see them but every few years. We’ll also go out to Beirut, eat at some nicer restaurants and go to some of the clubs there. This last trip, we also went into the mountains and down to the beach.


      2. What is your favorite food from Lebanon and why?
I love lamb kabobs. Some restaurants also make a nutella crepe stuffed with Kit Kats too. They have some of the best food.

     
     3. How is the lifestyle?
Lebanon is a country whose history is filled with war, often over land or religion. The Lebanese, as a result, have this mentality that while there is peace, they will enjoy life to the fullest. They go out often with friends (multiple times a week), whether it be to eat or spend a day on the beach or skiing in the mountains. It’s a very active lifestyle. They also cling closely to their family.

     4. What sports are played in Lebanon?
They don’t really know about baseball or football. They absolutely love soccer, basketball and volleyball though. Tennis is also played there.


    5. What are the differences between Lebanon and the US?
There are so many. It feels like an entirely different world. It’s hard to express until you’ve gone overseas. I’ll try and keep it to a few.
Many of Lebanon’s traffic laws aren’t enforced so driving can get crazy.
The food is amazing. Think hummus, rice, shawarma, kabobs and baklava. Nutella is a thing too.

The government isn’t always stable. There isn’t much of a police presence but definitely an army presence. There are checkpoints you’ll have to pass before entering certain parts.

The people are so hospitable. They’ll treat you like family even if they’ve just met you.

Most Lebanese people speak three languages: Arabic, English and French.


     6.What are the most memorable experiences you’ve had there.
We went into an underwater limestone cave called Jeita Grotto. It’s miles long and absolutely gorgeous. Being in the cave felt like being on a different planet. We also visited some Roman ruins which were really cool to see.

The mountains are beautiful. There is a big statue of Mother Mary at the top of one that many people of all faith visit.


    7. How is the education in Lebanon?
Lebanon has a great educational system including some great colleges. School is compulsory for children aged 6-14 years of age. English and French are introduced in primary school and Science and Math must be taught in one of those languages.

    8. Is there any racism?
Yes, unfortunately. But it’s not typical to the average Lebanese person, just like it is in America. (For instance, you may hear it on the news but you yourself are not racist, right?) Much of the conflict or resentment comes from land disputes between Israel, the Palestinians and the Lebanese. Many just want peace.
  

    9. How are the women treated?
Lebanon is the most Western-thinking country in the Middle East. Women carry the same rights in Lebanon that they would in America. They can drive, attain an education and are not forced to wear any head coverings or anything like that.
    
    10. How do the people feel about the government?
The Lebanese government is an often unstable one. Many just want peace while others want certain parties to be in control which is where much more political strife enters the fold.

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